Pedalboard Sizes & Uses:

Inspector #20

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What would be the smallest pedal board that I could get - one with an integrated case - that would accommodate (4) full-size Boss pedals, a large Boss FV30L volume Pedal and a Wah Pedal. I want to stay super trim and compact.

Also, what do you recommend for on stage cable routing???

81Aw9bQj1BL._SL1500_.jpg


Since I put my delay and volume pedal in the loop, I have a lot of cables....Thoughts???
 
This is the one I use. Got it used off eBay so didn't pay what Sweetwater is charging. Just swap off pedals depending if I'm doing electric or acoustic guitar. The power supply I use velcros quite nicely to the underside of the board. Wire route up thru a hole on the front.

Gator Pedal Board
 
Duct tape is a good idea, I'm just looking at options...I am wireless, but that doesn't hep my cords from stage front to amplifier...

I've always just used those little velcro strip things to wrap the input, send/return and channel switching cables together in a bundle and then use spots of gaffer's tape to route it along the edge of the stage. I think my cable run is 20 feet and I've never needed anything longer.
 
I've always just used those little velcro strip things to wrap the input, send/return and channel switching cables together in a bundle and then use spots of gaffer's tape to route it along the edge of the stage. I think my cable run is 20 feet and I've never needed anything longer.

It kinda sucks how much cabling it takes to put my Korg Tuner/CS-3 and NS-2 in the guitar chain and then the FV30L and DD-3 in the loop!!!!

I'm just not used to running anything but a single cord...
 
Messed with this online....They didn't have an image for my Boss FV30L, so I used a Dunlop Mini Volume, but that's a close representation anyways..

Pedal Board Concept.png
 
The smallest pedal board you can get is what ever size you cut it...
I make my pedal board out of a real board. *grins... I'll get a blank, set up
the pedals in the order I want, draw around them, and cut the board to fit.
Here's one I've used multiple times in different configurations:
pedal board used.jpg
That's a piece of paneling. Mine don't have to be pretty. I just need them to provide easy
access to the gear I'm using.

I had a seamstress make me a carry case for an earlier board I was using,
but have adopted a couple of smaller pedals, so my case can fit the newer board
and a few extras.
pedals & case_crop@100.jpg
I actually enjoy the process of making a new board... and I'm fickle, so I
keep changing it about. I know my basic tone needs only a few pedals.
So I don't have to do the Irish Jig trying to get my sound.

I like to use the shortest possible cable runs... just a personal prejudice.
Also, I like to have a Boss pedal early in the chain. Boss pedals are all buffered.
So that is a big help. And I like to have a D.I. box at the end of the chain,
so I can send my signal down an XLR cable. The Fishman pre-amp in the above
picture does that, in addition to its EQ function.

The board below, also made out of a piece of cedar siding... has a Radial D.I. at
the end of the chain. I can send that signal to the P.A. and also send to an
onstage amp. Or I can mike the amp with a Sennheiser 609.
electric pedal board 2017.jpg
 
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The smallest pedal board you can get is what ever size you cut it...
I make my pedal board out of a real board. *grins... I'll get a blank, set up
the pedals in the order I want, draw around them, and cut the board to fit.
Here's one I've used multiple times in different configurations:
View attachment 22762
That's a piece of paneling. Mine don't have to be pretty. I just need them to provide easy
access to the gear I'm using.

I had a seamstress make me a carry case for an earlier board I was using,
but have adopted a couple of smaller pedals, so my case can fit the newer board
and a few extras.
View attachment 22763
I actually enjoy the process of making a new board... and I'm fickle, so I
keep changing it about. I know my basic tone needs only a few pedals.
So I don't have to do the Irish Jig trying to get my sound.

I like to use the shortest possible cable runs... just a personal prejudice.
Also, I like to have a Boss pedal early in the chain. Boss pedals are all buffered.
So that is a big help. And I like to have a D.I. box at the end of the chain,
so I can send my signal down an XLR cable. The Fishman pre-amp in the above
picture does that, in addition to its EQ function.

The board below, also made out of a piece of paneling... has a Radial D.I. at
the end of the chain. I can send that signal to the P.A. and also send to an
onstage amp. Or I can mike the amp with a Sennheiser 609.
View attachment 22764

Looks good!! Very innovative!!!

I have no time or desire to make anything. I'm working full-time in the studio, so I was just hoping to see a pic of something I could order up. Nice work though!!!

I also prefer the capacitance effect of longer cables...FWIW
 
Also, what do you recommend for on stage cable routing???

81Aw9bQj1BL._SL1500_.jpg


Since I put my delay and volume pedal in the loop, I have a lot of cables....Thoughts???

Spiral wire loom for pedalboard to amp. You can set up cables to exit/enter the loom at desired locations to feed the front and rear of the amp. Use your imagination, and you can have a single cable to tape down(or run through a channel like you have pictured) fast easy set up. I gigged with one that I made for 15 years...back when I dragged around 50-100 watt heads, with rack effects for the effects loops, midi controls up front(midi send and return cables). I used a generic guitar case to transport the foot controller board, a couple of effects pedals, and wire loom snake etc...it was pre-internet for me when I made it(early 90s)...I picked the wire loom up at an auto parts store...now amazon makes it easy.
https://www.amazon.com/ElectronicLink-Spiral-Manage-Computer-Sleeve/dp/B01EZPO3D0

Color code your cable ends, and set up gets easy.
 
Spiral wire loom for pedalboard to amp. You can set up cables to exit/enter the loom at desired locations to feed the front and rear of the amp. Use your imagination, and you can have a single cable to tape down(or run through a channel like you have pictured) fast easy set up. I gigged with one that I made for 15 years...back when I dragged around 50-100 watt heads, with rack effects for the effects loops, midi controls up front(midi send and return cables). I used a generic guitar case to transport the foot controller board, a couple of effects pedals, and wire loom snake etc...it was pre-internet for me when I made it(early 90s)...I picked the wire loom up at an auto parts store...now amazon makes it easy.
https://www.amazon.com/ElectronicLink-Spiral-Manage-Computer-Sleeve/dp/B01EZPO3D0

Color code your cable ends, and set up gets easy.

Smart! Thanks!
 
The smallest pedal board you can get is what ever size you cut it...
I make my pedal board out of a real board. *grins...

+1. Definitely agree!

I build my own to whatever size or configuration I need or want.

Why limit yourself to whatever Boss or Furman or whoever thinks you need?
 
In case you haven't checked here yet
Pedal Cases | Page 1 of 1
I have had one of those since I ditched the rack gear, and midi control pedal board(around 2006-7)for live use, and went all pedals. It held all my pedals, cabling, power supply and cables for that, and set lists etc. The lid can be used as a tray/pedal board. The hinges detach easily. Once I got things laid out, it was a good and easy setup rig...mine was kinda sloppy looking, but functional.
I moved to a Pedaltrain setup when the ten year old hinges started to fail, and I wanted to hide the power supply in exchange for more pedal real estate.
 
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